The Impact of Maternal Asthma on Pregnancy, Labor, and Neonatal Outcomes

Abstract

Background: Asthma is a common chronic illness that can affect a mother's health, the course of labor, and the health of the unborn child. Preterm birth, respiratory problems in the newborn, and pregnancy difficulties have all been linked to inadequate asthma treatment. Objective: To know the impact of maternal asthma on pregnancy complications, labor outcomes, and neonatal health by comparing outcomes between asthmatic and non-asthmatic pregnant women. Methodology: A retrospective study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Abdullah Teaching Hospital, Mansehra, in collaboration with Rural Health Centre Havelian and Type-D Hospital, Haripur. In this study a comparison of 130 pregnant asthmatic women and 130 asthma-free controls was carried out.  Results: A total of 260 study participants were included in this study. Results showed that pregnancy outcomes in asthmatic women had a higher risk of preeclampsia (15% vs. 7%, p=0.04) and preterm birth (18% vs. 10%, p=0.03) with a higher prevalence of cesarean birth (35% vs. 22%, p=0.02). Neonatal Outcomes in Newborns of asthmatic mothers had lower birth weights (2900g vs. 3100g, p=0.01) and a higher rate of NICU admission (20% vs. 12%, p=0.03).  Pregnancies affected by asthma were associated with a significantly increased risk of neonatal respiratory complications, including transient tachypnea (12% in asthmatic pregnancies vs. 5% in non-asthmatic; p = 0.02) and respiratory distress syndrome (10% vs. 4%; p = 0.03). Conclusion: Maternal asthma significantly increases the risk of pregnancy complications, operative delivery, and neonatal morbidity. Findings of the present study proposed the need for optimal asthma management, regular monitoring, and preventive interventions to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes.